Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Ellensburg, WA: $35.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Ellensburg, WA runs $35.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,917 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Ellensburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,355 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Ellensburg, WA, surgical technologists enjoy a median hourly pay of $35.54, which is significantly higher than the national median of $32.76. This attractive rate provides an appealing option for both full-time professionals and those considering part-time work, such as those seeking to fill shifts three days a week in operating rooms and ambulatory surgery centers. With an hourly pay range stretching from $26.39 for entry-level positions up to $49.85 for experienced top earners, the opportunities for advancement within this profession are noteworthy. The projected figures for 2026 reflect not only the demand for surgical technologists in local healthcare facilities but also the competitive advantage of working in specialized areas like robotic surgery and trauma operating rooms. These estimated hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, illustrating the financial viability of pursuing a career as a surgical technologist in Ellensburg.
About the Ellensburg Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.39 | $211.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.39 | $243.09 |
| Median (P50) | $35.54 | $284.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.51 | $340.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.85 | $398.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ellensburg
Based on $35.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.54/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ellensburg, WA can expect to earn approximately $73,925 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,649. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ellensburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ellensburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,421.64 | $6,160 | $73,925 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $852.98 | $3,696 | $44,355 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $568.65 | $2,464 | $29,570 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Ellensburg) | $35.54 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.36 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $36.78 |
Surgical Technologists in Ellensburg, WA earn a median of $73,917 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.48% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 4.60% below the Washington state average of $77,481.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.54/hr = $44,355/year (purchasing power: $41,299).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,925/year (purchasing power: $68,831).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Ellensburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Ellensburg grew 33.9% from $25.19/hr (2019) to $33.72/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.46/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem surgical technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ellensburg metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.40% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Surgical Technologist in Ellensburg
Part-time surgical technologists working three days a week may take home approximately $44,424 annually compared to their full-time counterparts earning around $73,917. This disparity highlights the importance of understanding earning potential in various work structures. Per diem surgical techs, on the other hand, often see compensation between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialized areas like cardiovascular and neurosurgery commanding $50 to $75 per hour. Additionally, travel contracts can yield significantly higher earnings, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 per week, especially in high-demand specialties. Hourly rates vary across different employment types in Ellensburg, with hospitals typically providing steady hours and benefits, while ambulatory and specialty centers may offer higher pay but less stability. As a trade-off, surgical technologists must navigate benefits packages; some might opt for lower hourly rates to secure health insurance. For those indifferent to benefits, negotiating based on experience and specialization can be advantageous, given the overall demand in the surgical field.
More salary data for Ellensburg, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Ellensburg in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Ellensburg?
Are surgical technologists in Ellensburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Ellensburg?
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Related Pages
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Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for surgical technologists in Ellensburg. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ellensburg is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.40%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for surgical technologists (SOC 29-2055).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov